Stomach Organ and Channel
The primacy of the Stomach Qi  in early Chinese medical thinking:
In the Huai Nan Zi,  Di xing xun section, second century b.c. while each of the other four organs corresponding to an element is the now recognized Zang organ from TCM,  the Earth organ is ascribed to the Stomach. The biography of Chunyu Yi in the Shi ji of 90 b.c. identified the stomach as a Zang organ equivalent to lung, heart, liver, and kidneys, both these sources also associated the Stomach with the center. The unity of Spleen-Stomach as one compound term is seen frequently in the Su Wen.

隔明者表也, 五藏六腑之海也

The Yang Ming which is external, is the Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu

Su Wen 29

This idea is recapitulated in Master Hua’s Classic of the Central Viscera: “If the Stomach Qi is strong, all of the five Zang and the six fu networks will be strong.”

Both Stomach and Spleen are seen as in the center of the body, the stomach is below and the Spleen above.

The stomach receives and ‘ferments’ the food. This is the original understanding. Digestion is a fermentation whereby the dregs are passed downwards and the refined substances passed upwards to the spleen.

The Stomach channel is the primary Yang Qi which descends the front of the body. It is the path of:

Appetite
Instinct
Drive
Physical embodiment
Desire
Greed
over expansion
congestion of blood upwards and downwards
congestion of phlegm upwards and downwards
generation of hot phlegm

The Stomach channel (as Yang Ming) has an abundance of Qi and an abundance of Blood

The Stomach is the great post-natal reservoir of Yang Ming Qi and Blood  – [WJY]

The Center Generates Damp   –     Suwen 5

The stomach is averse to (i.e. attacked by) Dryness, the Spleen is averse to (attacked by) Damp

Desire for more, the appetites, consuming experience –   the Stomach’s links to the Pericardium

Humor, being at ease, comfortable with oneself

Materialization and grounding

Capacity to endure – to be able to stomach something

Tears, Sadness and natural remorse,

the ‘path of tears’ suspended between Yin and Yang in the Tai Ji symbol , defining the descent of consciousness into form

Animal: Pig

Branch: Wu – a pounding mortar to bark rice

Time: 7 AM to 9 AM

Relationship to Pericardium

Third Station of the Cross: Jesus falls

Tree of Life  –  fourth branch on the right

Wu – St.His constancy under torture. On the seventh branch, the constancy and fortitude which he maintained in the torture and suffering of his rough and bitter cross

Clearing Questions

What sensations or  things do you crave?

What emotional state do you crave?

Where are you too stubborn in life?

What are you afraid to engage with in life?

What can’t you stomach?

Who are you feeding?

What parts of you do you feed? What are the different kinds of food?

What do you voice? Do you speak up enough? Or too much? Are you clear?

What do you regret? What do you feel real remorse about?

What are you not optimistic about?

The Stomach Channel clears Heat, esp. in the face and throat. It clears Yang-Ming level Fever- Qi level fever.

The Stomach Channel treats Stomach rebellious Qi with nausea and vomiting. The Channel also treats Stomach Qi not descending with pain and distention in the epigastrium. The Channel can also treat pain in the epigastrium from stomach yin deficiency or stomach fire.

The Stomach Channel can treat Yang Shen-spirit disturbance from Stomach or Heart fire disturbing the Shen Spirit or Phlegm Fire misting the Heart orifices.

(The Divergent channel of the Stomach Channel passes through the Heart and the Stomach Channel meets the Governor vessel at GV. 24 and GV. 26. Both of these connections serve to strengthen the Shen-Spirit calming effect of certain Stomach Channel points)

St. 1               Meeting point of the St., LI., Yang Qiao and Conception Channels.
««
Cheng Qi            Container of Tears                         Contain Tears            Containing Tears
(mian liao – face seam  /  Xi Xue – Mouse Hole  /  Yang Qi – Tearful Appearance Xi Xue – Stream Cave)

Contain Tears refers to the loc. at the lower eyelid which stores tears, hence treats excess tears.

St. 1 is one of the two most important local point for the eyes. (the other being UB. 1. St. 2 is frequently used in place of St. 1, especially in the West because of its location). St. 1 treats all eye problems. 

St. 1 is able to invigorate the Qi and Blood of the Eyes.

St. 1 can clear External Wind and Heat (and cold) from the eyes causing swelling, pain, burning and lacrimation.

St. 1 can also clear ascendant Liver Yang or Flaring of Liver Fire causing redness and burning of the eyes. St. 1 is also used when internal movement of Liver Wind causes blepharospasm (twitching of the eyelids) and opisthotonos (upward staring eyes).

St. 1 can also aid in the treatment of Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with such symptoms as dry eyes, blurry vision, floaters, failing vision, night blindness etc.

To needle St. 1 the patient closes their eyes and looks upwards. The practitioner’s finger pushes the eye ball upwards and the needle is inserted firstly at a slightly inferior angle and then perpendicularly between the eyeball and the inferior wall of the orbit. Clinically it is normally needled ¼ -½ a cun but it can, with care,  be needled about 1 cun. The needle is not moved once in place and attention should be paid to manage any hematoma.
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St. 2            Yang Qiao meeting point (GM)
««
Si Bai            Four Whites

Four Whites indicates the white area around the eye that this point treats. -(GTW)

Four Brightness indicates the points. Ability to brighten the eye (I&F)

ST . 2 is used mainly as a substitute for St. 1.

St. 2 is also used as a local point for facial problems such as facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, maxillary sinusitis and allergic facial swelling. To treat this the point is often joined to other local facial points.

St. 2 can also treat round worm in bile duct (see notes LI.20) for which it is often threaded to LI. 20.

Deep insertion along the foramen or strong stimulation is contraindicated due to the risk of damaging the infraorbital nerve.
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St. 3            St., Yang Qiao and LI meeting point (ATRSG)
«
Ju Liao          Great Crevice       great seam      Great Bore Hole     Big Bone      Large Opening

Great Bone-Hole and Large Opening indicates it’s location in the hole/opening of the cheek bone. (GTW)/(I&F)

St. 3 is not used much. It is mainly used for local facial indications such as facial paralysis, toothache, inability to show the teeth and trigeminal neuralgia  Also  nasal indications such as rhinitis, epistaxis and nasal obstruction.

The pulse here measures the Qi of the teeth and mouth (along with St. 6 and 9) (ATRSG)
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St. 4  St., LI., Yang Qiao and Conception Channels meeting point
««
Di Cang        Earth Granary
(Hui Wei – Meeting Crease    Wei Wei – Stomach Crease)

Earth Granary indicates its location next to the mouth who’s role is like that of a granary to receive food. -(GTW)

St. 4 is one of the main points to treat facial paralysis, especially with deviation of the mouth as is commonly seen in post stroke and Bell’s palsy. St. 4 is also indicated for excessive salivation, gum problems, mouth ulcers..

The Nei Jing lists St. 4 for  leg disorders  in the facial body map St. 4 approximately corresponds to the medial thigh.

In face acupuncture St. 4 corresponds to the medial thigh.

Fecal stoppage in children (Fund)

Patients who talk too much on the treatment table! (RS)

St. 4 is frequently  joined by transverse needling to St. 6, SI. 18, LI. 20 or CV. 24 in the treatment of facial paralysis.
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St. 5                 
««
Da Ying        Great Welcome      Big Welcome     Great Reception
(Sui Kong – marrow hole)

Great Reception indicates that it is proximal to where the ST channel welcomes the LI channel or that it is proximal to the lower jawbone a.k.a. the great reception bone.-(GTW)

St. 5 is used for local indications such as parotitis, lockjaw, cheek swelling, inability to chew, dislocation of the jaw, toothache, swollen or indurated submandibular glands etc.

After birth the post heavenly Qi flows from this point to the rest of the body (RL)

Strong needle stimulation is contraindicated due to the proximity of the facial artery and vein. This point can be needled transversely to St. 4 and St. 6.
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St. 6              Ghost point
««
Jia Che         Jaw Bone     Jaw vehicle
(JI Guan – Mechanical Hinge  / Qu Ya – Corner of Teeth /  Gui Chuang – Ghost Bed)

Jaw bone refers to it’s location on the jaw bone.  Jaw Vehicle is an ancient name for the jaw bone which is a vehicle that carries teeth.-(GTW)

ST. 6 IS ONE OF THE TWO MAIN LOCAL POINTS FOR JAW PROBLEMS

St. 6 is one of the two main local points for Jaw problems. (along with St. 7).

St. 6 clears both External Wind and Internal Wind disorders affecting the jaw, gums, teeth and face.

St. 6 is a major point for the treatment of toothache, especially of the lower jaw, gums and teeth.

St. 6 treats local indications such as parotitis, lockjaw, cheek swelling, inability to chew, dislocation of the jaw, tooth grinding,  toothache, swollen or indurated submandibular glands, facial acne  etc.

St. 6 is one of the 13 ghost points.

St. 6 is also indicated for stiff neck, aversion to Wind and Cold and loss of voice.

The pulse here measures the Qi of the mouth and teeth (along with St. 3 and 9) (ATRSG)

In facial Acupuncture this area corresponds to the patella.

St. 6 can be joined by transverse insertion to St. 4, St. 5, St. 7.

St. 6 can be needled by transverse insertion towards the upper or lower jaw for toothache.
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St. 7            St. and GB Channel meeting point
««
Xia Guan            Below The Joint            Lower Hinge

Lower Hinge indicates the location and area of influence. (I&F)  Below the Joint obviously indicates it’s location. -(GTW)

ST. 7 IS ONE OF THE TWO MAIN LOCAL POINTS FOR JAW PROBLEMS

St. 7 is one of the two main local points for Jaw problems. (along with St. 6).

St. 7 is an important point for blockage Bi syndromes affecting the jaw, treating inhibited opening and closing of the jaws, temporomandibular arthritis, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), dislocated jaw, lockjaw etc.

St. 7 is an important local point in treating the ear. It is indicated for tinnitus, deaf- mutism, ear pain, itching and otorrhea (discharge of the ear).

St. 7 is also indicated for the cheek, teeth and facial nerves treating trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis etc

May correspond to the Hand in the Facial Acupuncture system.

Treats excessive yawning

Perpendicular and slightly inferior insertion ½ to 1 cun, or join the point by transverse insertion to SI. 19, ST. 6,  SI. 18 etc.
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St. 8              Meeting point of the St., GB and Yang Wei Channels.
««
Tou Wei            Head’s Binding            Head Support            Head Corner

Head Corner refers to the location of this point at the corner of the forhead.-(GTW)

Skulls Safeguard…wei can mean to tie up, safeguard, preserve and support like a suture, it is also said to be the palce where chinese fastened their hats in ancient times.-(I&F)

AN IMPORTANT POINT FOR HEADACHE  AND VERTIGO

St. 8 is an important headache and dizziness point.

St. 8 can disperse External Wind invasion of the Channels of the head resulting in headache and vertigo.

St. 8 can also assist in clearing Internal Wind and Phlegm Damp, causing headache, splitting headache, vertigo and hemiplegia.

St. 8 is mainly used for temporal and frontal headaches, it is often used in the treatment of migraines, especially if accompanied by eye symptoms or nausea and vomiting.

St. 8 can clear Wind invasion of the eyes treating bursting eye pain, dimness of vision, blurred vision, blepharospasm (spasms of the eyelids) and sore eyes with excessive tearing.

St. 8 can also treat wheezing accompanied by irritability and fullness of the chest.

St. 8 Can treat hair loss.

This point can be needled with transverse insertion toward the frontal, temporal, parietal and vertex region as needed.

St. 8 is traditionally forbidden to moxibustion.
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St. 9               Window of Heaven point.                        Point of the Sea of Qi.
««Meeting point of the St. and GB Channels.
Ren Ying            Man’s Welcome
(Wu Hui – Five Meetings /  Tian Wu Hui – Heaven’s Five Meetings)

Man’s Welcome refers to the location of the point on the ST channel where the channel Qi descends intot he mid-body zone associated with the aspect of man within the triad of heaven, man, and earth.(I&F)  Mans Prognosis indicates that palpating this point can aid in establishing a patient’s prognosis. -(GTW)

BENEFITS THE THROAT, TREATS GOITER. TREATS HYPERTENSION

St. 9 is an important local point to Benefit the throat and clear masses in the throat it is indicated in treating goiter, swelling and pain of the throat and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and speech impediment.

St. 9 is a Window of Heaven point so It treats Ni Qi (perverse, rebellious uprising Qi) with Yang uprising and headache, hypertension and Stomach and Lung Ni Qi with vomiting, fullness in the chest, chest pain, wheezing, red complexion etc.

St. 9 is also indicated for acute lower back strain due to chaotic upsurging of Qi (also a Window of Heaven indication)

St. 9 is indicated for both high and low blood pressure due to the proximity of the carotid baro-recepointors. Clinically, however, it is more commonly used for hypertension.

The pulse here measures the Qi of the mouth and teeth (along with St. 3 and 6)

The pulse here also measures the quality and quantity of the Qi of the upper body, and the general state of Yang Qi and the ascent of Qi. (ATRSG)

The pulse here measures the Qi of the St. Channel and the state of the arterial circulation of the body (because the Yang Ming contains more Qi and more Blood) (YR)

One of the five original Window of Heaven points hence the alternate name Tian Wu Hui – Heaven’s Five Meetings

Western clinicians tend to use this point in treating both hyper and hypo-thyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (RS)

“When the Sea of Qi is excess there is fullness in the chest, urgent breathing and red complexion. When the Sea of Qi is deficient there is scanty energy insufficient for speech” (Nei Jing Ling Shu) Points of the sea of Qi are St. 9,

CV. 17, GV.15  and GV.14.

Care must be taken when needling not to puncture the carotid artery. The practitioner must first palpate the artery and then manually move the artery laterally away from the thyroid cartilage, placing the thumb and index finger of one hand superiorly and inferiorly to the site of insertion. In this way the needle may pass medial of the artery between the artery and the thyroid cartilage.

Many clinicians in the West needle this point with very shallow subcutaneous insertion, which is much safer.

St. 9 is classically forbidden to moxibustion.

Electrical stimulation is contraindicated at St. 9 due to the proximity of the carotid baro-recepointors.
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St. 10
«
Shui Tu            Water Prominence
(Shui Men – Water Gate)

Water Prominence may indicate the feel of the carotid artery which is like a gentle splash of water at this point.  When liquids are swolled this point protrudes.  -(GTW)

St. 10 is not an important TCM point. Treats local indications such as sore throat, diseases of the vocal cords, goiter, dyspnea, coughing and asthma.

St. 10  measures thyroid functioning in EAV -electro-acupuncture according to Voll  (Dr. Voll)

                        Same needling cautions as St. 9
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St. 11
«
Qi She            Abode of Qi                        Qi’s Residence            Qi’s Abode

Qi Abode might refer to it’s location next to the trachea where the breath passes.  Bestowal is another traslation of She, which reflects the idea of the ST suppliing Qi for the lung during a cough.

St. 11 is not an important TCM point. It treats local throat, neck and Lung indications such as sore throat, goiter, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), difficulty turning the head, wheezing and hiccup.

St. 11  measures thymus functioning in EAV. It can be used to treat chronic immune dysfunction.  (Dr. Voll)

Perpendicular needle insertion 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep needling here may puncture the Lungs.
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St. 12
««            Meeting point of the St., LI., S.I., TB, GB and lung Channels.
Que Pen            Empty Basin
(Tian Gai – Heaven’s Canopy,   Heavens Cover,   Heaven’ Top)

Empty Basin refers to it’s location in the supraclavicular fossa.  (GTW)

St. 12 is the meeting point of many yang Channels (similar to G,V. 14 located on the same level as St. 12 on the spine). St. 12 therefore helps to descend rebellious Qi e.g. lung and stomach rebellious Qi (many points in the shoulder region descend rebellious Qi) with such indications as throat pain, cough and coughing blood, dyspnea, severe abdominal edema, fullness of the chest and heat in the chest.

St. 12, for this same reason that it descends the Qi, calms the mind and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

St. 12 can also be a local treatment for shoulder pain radiating to the neck, inability to raise the arm and thoracic outlet syndrome.

St. 12 is also indicated for lumbar pain with inability to turn.

St. 12 is needled with perpendicular insertion 0.3-0. 5 cun in a slightly anterior direction along the posterior border of the clavicle.  Needling too deeply or too posteriorly may result in puncturing the Lung or damaging the subclavian artery and vein or the brachial plexus.
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St. 13
«
Qi Hu            Qi Door            Qi’s Door            Qi’s Household
Qi Door refers to it’s location where celestial Qi and breath must pass down through to reach the lung.

St. 13            is not an important TCM point. It is mainly used for Lung problems.

St. 13 is indicated for local indications such as fullness and pain in the chest,  cough, dyspnea, asthma, wheezing, hiccup, vomiting blood, intercostal neuralgia, pain in the upper back and pain in the neck with difficulty turning the head.

St. 13 is also indicated for edema of the limbs (fund)

St. 13 is indicated for inability to taste food (M of A)

In Japanese acupuncture St 13 tenderness is a reflex of, and treatment for, ileo-inguinal ligament problems – typically ipsilateral prolapse and hernial problems.

St. 13 is needled with oblique insertion either laterally or medially 0.5- 0.8 cun or with transverse insertion inferiorly along the channel.  Care must be taken not to puncture the Lung.
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St. 14
«
Ku Fang            Storehouse

Storeroom reflects the position of this point over the chest which stores the heart and lung.  It also reflects it’s position and influence over the breast which stores the milk.

All TCM indications same as St. 13.
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St. 15
«
Wu Yi            Room Screen            Roof Screen

Roof reminds us of it’s location and function since the lung is the roof of the five viscera also the female breast rises at this point like the slanting roof of a house.  (GTW)

St. 15 is indicated for local indications such as fullness and pain in the chest,  cough, dyspnea, asthma, wheezing, hiccup, vomiting blood.

St. 15 also treats the breasts treating breast pain and breast abscess.

St. 15 alleviates pain and itching of the skin treating Wind itching aggravated by clothing, generalized itching, pain exacerbated by Wind, heaviness and swelling of the body and pain and weakness of the limbs. (The name Wu Yi – Room Screen is suggestive of this points power in dispelling Wind, reminiscent as it is of Yi Feng – Wind Screen TB. 17)
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St. 16
«
Ying Chuang      Breast  Window                        Breast’s Window

Breast Window refers to the location where Qi and milk pass into the breast like light through a window.  (GTW)

St. 16 is not an important TCM point. It is indicated for coughing, wheezing and chest indications, and for breast indications such as mastitis and breast abscess.

St. 16 is also indicated in TCM for borborygmus (intestinal noises), watery diarrhea and intestinal hernial pain. (M of A)

                        St. 16 is also indicated in TCM for fever and chills, restless sleep and swelling of the lips (Fund)
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St. 17
«
Ru Zhong            Middle of the Breast

Breast Center is derived from it’s location at the center of the nipple.  (GTW)

Forbidden to both needle and moxibustion.

St. 17 can be moxa-ed indirectly  (ATRSG)
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St. 18          The Xu Li – The Great Luo of the Stomach Channel.
««
Ru Gen            Root of the Breast                        Breast’s Root

Breast Root is derived from Its location at the base of the breast.  (GTW)/(I&F)

THE MOST COMMONLY USED LOCAL BREAST POINT

St. 18 is the most commonly used breast point. St. 18 can treat Stomach Fire or Liver Qi Stagnation giving rise to pain, distention, swelling or abscess of the breast.

St. 18 is also indicated to regulate and promote lactation and to promote smooth labor and the expulsion of the placenta (suggesting the relationship of the breasts to oxytocin release)

St. 18 Can treat asthma and chest conditions and Liver Qi stagnation, giving rise to oppression of the diaphragm, esophageal constriction and difficult swallowing, and inversion counterflow of the four limbs etc.

St. 18 is said to be, in some TCM traditions, the ‘Xu Li’  the Great Luo of the Stomach Channel. This is taken to mean the Qi, blood and body fluids pour down and are abundant here. The Great Luo of the Stomach is said to be where the pulse ‘throbs ceaselessly beneath the hand’.

St. 18 is said with CV. 23 to be the pathway of the ‘Jin Ye’  body fluids, treating thirst and dehydration.
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St. 19.
««
Bu Rong            Not Contained            Uncontainable

Not Contained reminds us that this point is no longer within the borders of the rib cage.   If the ST is filled to this point it can no longer contain food.  The name is also a reference to it’s function since it treats vomiting.  (GTW)

The name of St. 19 means ‘cannot be contained’ is a reference to it’s use in treating nausea and vomiting.

Due to it’s location St. 19 can be used to treat gastrectasis (dilation of the stomach, often from pyloric stenosis), stomach ache, hypochondriac pain, nausea and vomiting, often due to cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.

St. 19 is also indicated for labored breathing with raising of the shoulders to breathe, pain in the chest, back and shoulders.

St. 19 is also indicated in TCM for dry mouth, poor appetite, night blindness and infantile ulceration of the eyelids.

Deep insertion here could puncture the Heart or Liver if they are enlarged.
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St. 20
«
Cheng Man     Supporting Fullness            Support fullness

Assuming fullness is located just below the ST, assuming a position of support for the fullness of the ST.   This point also treats fullness of the abdomen and ribs.

St. 20 is not an important TCM point.

St. 20 treats Qi ascent dyspnea, stomach ache, vomiting, vomiting blood, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, hardness and pain in the lateral costal region, jaundice,  anorexia. (Spleen Deficiency).

St. 20 opens the Stomach after eating and reduces fullness after eating (RL)

Deep insertion here could puncture the Liver if it is enlarged. In thin patients, deep needling might penetrate the peritoneal cavity from this point to St. 30.
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St. 21 
«««
Liang Men            Beam Gate                        Door of the Beam

Beam Gate treats a condition called “deep lying beam” in which a mass the size of an arm located in the upper abdomen causes irratibility and insomnia.   Liang also refers to millet and suggests a relationship with the SP and ST and the internal opening of the ST that recieves food and grain.  (I&F)/(GTW)

TREATS ACUTE EXCESS STOMACH PROBLEMS SUCH AS

EPIGASTRIC PAIN, NAUSEA AND VOMITING

St. 21 is used mainly for acute excess stomach problems, especially with stagnation, Ni rebellious Qi and heat.

St. 21 is the main point on the Stomach Channel for epigastric pain, ulcer pain, hiatal hernia, nausea and vomiting etc.

St. 21 is useful for Qi accumulation syndromes as in Liver Qi stagnation, Liver attacking Stomach and palpable mass below the heart. (the term Liang in the name refers to one of the five accumulations. The ‘Liang’ accumulation refers to palpable mass below the Heart).

St. 21 can also raise the Spleen-Stomach yang in diarrhea and prolapse.

In general C.V. 12, with which St. 21 is parallel, is used more for deficiency and St. 21 more for excess.

St. 21 is used more for acute excess Stomach problems In contrast with St. 25 which is used more for acute excess Intestinal problems.

In Japanese acupuncture tenderness to palpation at the right St. 21 is said to be a stomach ulcer reflex, and at left St. 21 it is said to be a duodenal ulcer reflex.

St. 21 is also known as a stress reflex from yang energy uprising (SCM neck tension) (Jap. Acu.)

Deep insertion here could puncture the Liver if it is enlarged. In thin patients, deep needling might penetrate the peritoneal cavity.
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St. 22
«
Guan Men            Pass Gate                        Gate                        Hinge of Gate

Pass Gate refers to it’s location where digesta passes on its way to the intestines.

St. 22 is not an important TCM point.

St. 22 treats a sensation of Qi moving in the abdomen, abdominal Qi accumulation, abdominal pain, distention and fullness. St. 22 also treats peri-umbilical pain.

St. 22 treats wandering Qi creating tension on either side of the umbilicus

(Bronze statue textbook 1027 AD)
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St.23
«
Tai Yi            Supreme Unity                        Great Yi

Yi originally meant  the intestines of a fish and hence reflects this point location and affect on the bowel.  As the one thing (supreme unity) splits to become heaven and earth so the turbid and the clear are divided at ST-23.

St. 23 calms the Shen-Spirit and treats psycho-emotional disorders. (St. 23 can transform phlegm which can Calm the Shen-Spirit when Phlegm-Fire is disturbing the Heart or phlegm is misting the Heart’s orifices)

St. 23  treats madness, agitation, mania, withdrawal, mad walking and vexation. St. 23 also treats abdominal pain, diarrhea and stomach pain especially if these  disorders arise along with Shen Spirit disturbance.

In Japanese acupuncture they see a reflex relationship between St. 23 and C.V. 19. There is also speculation in Japanese acupuncture that the character employed in the name  Yi is used as a pictographic representation of the flexures of the colon. Others have speculated that the use of the philosophical term ‘Tai Yi’ which is the state of undifferentiation prior to the separation into Yin and Yang implies that at this abdominal level the food was thought to have been as yet not differentiated into pure and impure. (M of A).
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St. 24
«
Hua Rou Men            Slippery Flesh Gate                                    Door of Slippery Flesh

Slippery flesh gate refers to it’s location near the pylorus, small intestine opening, which is a “gate of slippery flesh”.  ST-24 treats tongue disorders(slippery flesh) (GTW)

St. 24 is not an important TCM point.

St. 24 has similar indications to St. 23 but is slightly more indicated for excess type mental disorders with stomach fire blazing – yang madness, epilepsy, tongue thrusting, stiff tongue, lotus flower tongue.

St. 23 also treats stomach pain and vomiting.

St. 24 treats rectal prolapse (Fund.)
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St. 25  
««««            Front Mu point of the Large Intestine.
Tian Shu            Heaven’s Pivot            Heaven’s Axis             Celestial Pivot

Celestial Pivot:  Essential Question states: The area above the celestial pivot is ruled by the celestial Qi;  The area below the celestial pivot is ruled by the earthly Qi.  The place where these Qi intersect is the origin of man’s Qi and the ten thousand things.”  Tian Shu is also the ancient name of the central star in the Northern Dipper which the other six stars rotate.  (GTW)

(Chang Xi – Long Stream  /   Chang Gu – Long Valley

Xun Ji –   Following the Edge, Follow the Border     Gu Men – Valley Gate)

TREATS EXCESS ABDOMINAL AND INTESTINAL DISORDERS,

ESP. DIARRHEA

St. 25 primarily treats excess abdominal and intestinal disorders, especially diarrhea and dysentery of all types.

St. 25 breaks Qi stagnation in the lower abdomen treating pain and blockage. St. 25 helps regulate the menses, treats gynecological abdominal masses, treats constipation, helps eliminate stones, parasites etc. treats back painetc.

St. 25 regulates the spleen and so can treat acute and chronic gastritis and enteritis and drain damp in edema and urinary problems.

St. 25 Can regulate the stomach in vomiting etc.

The name of St. 25 means ‘heaven’s pivot’ and implies the division between the Stomach above and the Intestines below, and between the pre-natal earth Qi and the post-natal Heavenly Qi, hence it is a psychologically centering point.

St. 25 can be needled perpendicularly, or obliquely and inferiorly to treat the uterus. St 25  can be needled laterally toward Sp. 15 for constipation.
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St. 26
«
Wai Ling            Outer Mound                        Outer Tomb

Outer Mound refers to the location of this point on the bulges of the rectus abdominus muscles.  (GTW)

St. 26 is not an important point in TCM.

St. 26 is indicated for severe abdominal pain and distention, Shan disorder (hernia) and painful menstruation.

St. 26 corresponds to MacBurney’s point, used diagnostically for acute appendicitis (YR). The intensity of pain of acute appendicitis corresponds well to the traditional indications of this point.
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St. 27
««
Da Ju            The Great

Great Gigantic may indicate the location of this point at the largest part of the lower abdomen. (GTW)

St. 27 treats abdominal pain in excess stomach patterns.

St. 27 has also  been used for premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea ,- so it can tonify yang and restrain the Jing essence. (St. 27 probably has this association because it is 2 cun lateral to the Front Mu point of the triple burner at C.V. 5).

St.27 also has indications of treating scrotal and genital swelling and pain.

In Japanese acupuncture palpatory tenderness at this point and St.25 -26 -27 on the left side corresponds to Liver blood stagnation in the lower Jiao, and on the right to lowered immunity, glandular and lymphatic exhaustion and deficient lung Qi. (St. 27 is close to  Macburney’s  point, the appendix reflex, an immune organ and a reflection of Metal in Jap. Acu.).
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St. 28  
«««
Shui Dao            Water Passage                        Waterway

Waterway refers to this point’s control over and location near the ureter.  (I&F)

ST-28 is able to affect the body’s water metabolism hence the name.  (GTW)

THE NAME MEANS WATER PATH, TREATS URINARY PROBLEMS           

St. 28 is commonly used for bladder, prostate and urinary problems and damp heat in the lower burner. (hence the name water path). It is indicated for retention of urine, nephritis, cystitis, orchitis, ascites, urinary tract infections and prostatitis.

St. 28, like St. 29, can also be used for gynecological cold and blood stagnation, withindications of pain in the lower abdomen extending to the genitals, infertility, cold in the uterus which radiates downwards, uterine masses, lumbar pain during menses etc.

St. 28 has an occasional association with lumbar pain- (Water – U.B. Channel connection- also the psoas muscle is accessible deep to this point, often responsible for back pain and associated, in applied kinesiology, with the Kidney Channel (Water again)).

St. 28 can, like St .30  and St.29, also be used for prolapse and hernia.

St. 28 is more commonly used for urinary symptoms and St. 29 more for gynecological symptoms (RS).

Deep needling from St. 28 – St. 30 may penetrate the urinary bladder, especially if it is full. For this reason it is often a good idea to ask patients to empointy the bladder before needling.
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St. 29  
«««
Gui Lai            Return

Return refers to this point’s influence on the menses and it’s ability to return the fetus to normal position.  (I&F)   It also treats menstrual block and returns the cycle to normal.  A divergent branch of the ST channel returns one cun below this point at ST30.  (GTW)

TREATS BLOOD STAGNATION, DEFICIENCY AND COLD GYNECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS           

The name of St. 29  ‘Return’ suggests returning the menses. St. 29 is known for treating amenorrhea, especially from deficiency, cold or blood stagnation. (the first character ‘Gui’ is the same as the ‘Gui’ of the herb Dang Gui the preeminent TCM herb for gynecological cold and blood stagnation). St. 29 is also indicated for uterine masses, uterine prolapse, swelling, pain and cold in the vagina, lack of sexual desire, undescended testicles, impotence, seminal emission, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease., etc.

St. 29 can, like St. 27, 28 and especially St 30, be used for prolapse, shan disorder, running piglet Qi and hernia.

Extra point Zi Gong -palace of the fetus-  is one cun lateral to this point which underscores its use for stagnant blood in the uterus.

St. 29  stands in slight contrast here with St. 28. St. 28 is used more for excess and heat conditions, whereas St. 29 is used more for Cold and Deficiency conditions.
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St. 30              Meeting point of the St. and Penetrating Vessel
««Point of the Sea of Nourishment (Sea of Water and Grain – Shui Gu zhi Hai)
Qi Chong            Rushing Qi                        Pouring Qi

Qi’s Breakthrough refers to the Qi of the ST channel and other vessels that intersect, gather and surface from the body at this point.  Chong is also the name of the penetrating vessel which begins it’s external pathway at this point.  (I&F)

Surging Qi reflects the location of this point at the beginning of the Chong Channel and also reflects the function of this point employed in treating surging counterflow.  (GTW)

TREATS ‘RUNNING PIGLETS’, TREATS HERNIA AND PROLAPSE

St. 30 is not much used because of its location, but it is a good point. It mainly treatsexcess symptoms and accumulations in the lower abdominal  organs and genitals

St. 30 is indicated for hypogastric pain and fullness, Shan pain, twisting pain and heat in the abdomen, retention  of urine and feces, rectal prolapse, sudden amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, retention of the placenta, swelling and pain of  the external genitalia, retraction and pain of the testicles etc.

St. 30 is the starting point of the Chong Channel (The Penetrating Vessel) so it is  used for ‘running piglets’ (a variety of Ni Qi).

As the  starting point of the Chong Channel St. 30 is thought to liberate the Yuan Qi and strengthen the Jing (pre-natal Qi) but it is not much used for this.

St. 30 is a Sea of nourishment point along with St. 36 so it can be used for tonification (post-natal Qi).

St. and Sp. Channels unite here (RL)

In Japanese acupuncture tension on palpation at St. 30 is an indicator of inguinal ligament tension, abdominal hernia or prolapse of any abdominal organ and of deficient blood supply to the lower abdomen.

St. 30 can treat post-partum depression (with Lu.9)

St. 30 can treat insufficient lactation and difficult childbirth

“When the Sea of Nourishment is excess there is abdominal fullness, when the Sea of Nourishment is deficient there is hunger with inability to eat” (Nei Jing Ling Shu). St. 30 is the upper point, and St. 36 the lower point of the Sea of Nourishment.

Deep needling in an inferior direction may penetrate the spermatic cord in men.
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St. 31
«
Bi Guan            Thigh Gate                        Hip’s Hinge

Thigh Joint refers to it’s location near the joint of the thigh.  (GTW)

Hip’s Border Gate refers to It’s location near and affect on the hip and it’s function of controlling Qi going into the leg.  (I&F)

St. 31 is a local point used for bi pain, paralysis and Wei syndrome in the hip and thigh area. St. 31 can be used as an accessory point for knee pain and lower back pain. St. 31 is especially recommended for Cold and Cold-Damp extending to the thighs and knees, and for sciatic pain that follows the course of the St. Channel.
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St. 32
«
Fu Tu            Crouching Rabbit                        Hidden Rabbit

Prostrate Rabbit is just lateral to the rectus femoris muscle which resembles a prone rabbit.  (I&F)  Crouching Rabbit is prefered by (GTW)

St. 32 is not an important point in TCM. St. 32 is primarily used for local Bi pain, Wei atrophy syndrome, Leg Qi etc.

St. 32 is also indicated for gynecological disorders, mania, ghost talk and head Wind. (M of A)

                        St. 33 treats skin rashes on the legs (fund)
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St. 33
«
Yin Shi            Yin Market                        Yin’s market

Yin Market is a point where Qi and blood are gathered and dispersed, like goods at a marketplace.  It’s location is on the yin aspect of the body.  (GTW)

St. 33 is not an important point in TCM. St. 33 is  primarily used for local Bi pain, Wei atrophy syndrome, Leg Qi etc.

Wasting and thirsting disorder (diabetes) edema of the abdomen. (M of A)

To stop sweating needle St. 33 and tonify LI. 4 – (Ba Fa acupuncture ATRSG)
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St. 34               Xi Cleft point of the stomach
«««
Liang Qiu            Ridge Mound

Beam Hill reflects the location of this point next to a rise in the muscle as well as it’s abitlity to treat “deep lying beam” like ST-21.  -(GTW)   Connecting Mound suggests that this point is where the channel Qi passes through to the lower leg via the mound of the rectus femoris.  Liang can also refer to millet and indicates the corresponding organ, the ST.  (I&F)

TREATS ACUTE EPIGASTRIC PAIN, STOMACH ACHE,

HEARTBURN, MASTITIS ETC.

St. 34 is the Xi Cleft point, so it is used for Excess and Heat – but the symptoms are lower in the Channel (as the point is higher up the Channel), in the epigastrium and chest.

St. 34 is indicated  for acute epigastric pain, i.e. vomiting, stomach ache, heartburn, hiatal hernia etc.

St. 34 is also indicated for mastitis, breast abscess and other acute breast disorders.

St. 34 is indicated for sudden fear (a Xi cleft point indication).

St. 34 is a good knee point.

Varicose veins (Dr. Voll)

St. 34 is used for excess Stomach Acid.(RS)

St. 34 Warms the Lower Burner, benefits the back and knees.
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St. 35
«
Du Bi            Calf’s Nose
(Xi Yan – Eyes of the Knee   Wai Xi Yan  –  External Eye of the Knee)

Calf’s Nose refersw to this point’s location in a hollow next to the patellar ligament.

St. 35 is an important local point for the knees.

St. 35 can be needled 1-2 cun perpendicularly in the direction of UB. 40 Wei Zhong. St. 35 can also be needled at an oblique angle in a medial superior direction underneath the patella. St. 35 can also be needled behind the patella ligament to connect to extra point Nei Xi Yan

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St. 36               Lower He Sea of the Stomach.
«««««Earth point Horary point.
Command point of the Abdomen.

Sea of Nourishment point.

Zu San Li            Leg Three Miles                        Leg Three Measures

(Xia Ling – Below the Mound/Tomb or Lower Mound/Tomb

Gui Xie – Ghost Evil Qi / Pathogenic Qi)

Leg Three Miles refers to the point’s strong tonifying effect.  -(I&F)  It also refers to it’s location 3 cun below ST-35. (GTW)

STRENGTHENS THE POST-NATAL QI OF THE WHOLE BODY

St. 36 is the He Sea point so it is used for counterflow Qi and diarrhea, Nausea, vomiting, asthma, vertigo etc.

St. 36 is the main point on the body to strengthen the post natal Qi- the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach –  St. 36 can treat any disorder of the stomach, Spleen or Intestines – treating hunger, hunger with no desire to eat , lack of appetite, etc.

St. 36 can transform damp by stimulating the Spleen – to treat chronic diarrhea, borborygmus, edema, heaviness of the limbs, abdominal swelling and jaundice

St. 36 can raise Spleen Yang- for prolapse, diarrhea etc.

St. 36 can stimulate Spleen to produce Qi and Blood therefore can treat the Zheng ‘correct’ or righteous Qi of the body, meaning it can rectify deficiency in any Qi and rebalance most Zang disorders. E.g.-Earth is the mother of metal so can tonify lung Qi, and strengthen Wei Qi.

St. 36 can strengthen Kidney Qi by strengthening the post natal QI to support the prenatal Qi.

St. 36 can treat Heart-Shen disorders and Heart blood stagnation with such symptoms as manic depression, raving and swearing, anger and fright, uncontrollable laughter, palpitations, sudden Heart pain, Qi rushing up to the Chest, Blood stagnation in the chest etc.

St. 36 can help expel GB stones, U.B. stones and parasites.

St. 36 is an important point to move Qi and Blood locally to expel wind-damp in the leg and knee, pain in the thighs and shins, to treat hemiplegia, Bi pain and Wei atrophy syndrome of the hips and legs.

St. 36 can be used as a distal point for the elbow and wrist.

St. 36 can treat breast swelling and abscess.

Dr. Dong Shi Jing Chang –  needle St. 36  ½”  for Spleen and Stomach. Needle

St. 36  1”  for the Lung and Heart.

Moxa St. 36  for any rebellious Qi (Ming Tang)

St. 36 is contraindicated in Stomach Fire or Stomach ulcers. Do not use when here is excess stomach acid secretion (LH)

St. 36 is a good distal point for wrist Bi Pain (GM)

Tenderness at St. 36 indicates gastralgia and duodenal ulcer (ATRSG)

The Extra point Lan Wei Xue ‘appendix point’ is one cun below St.36

St. 36 is the lower point of the Sea of Nourishment (See note at St. 30)

Divine Objectivity Point     Immunization point             Vitality and Longevity point 

(De La Fuye)

Consider this point for most illnesses. It shakes up and nourishes the official; it is connected to all the Seas. Re-nourish here, and if there is nourishment, this can be distributed to the smaller bodies of Qi. (J.Wors.)
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St.37               Lower He Sea point of the Large Intestine.
««««Point of the Sea of Blood
Shang Ju Xu                        Upper Great Void                        Upper Void
(Ju Xu Shang Lian – Great Void Upper Angle or Region)

Upper Great Void refers to the function of balancing the body areas above the lower extremities, by sedating and dispersing Yang Qi excess downward and peripherally.  (I&F)  Upper Great Hollow refers to the location in the upper part of the shin hollow.  -(GTW)

TREATS DISORDERS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE SUCH AS CONSTIPATION AND DYSENTERY

St. 37 has a special action on the Large Intestine (Lower He Sea Point of the Large Intestine),  so it treats any Intestinal disorder, esp. diarrhea or dysentery.

St. 37 is also commonly used to treat constipation. St. 37 also treats Intestinal obstructions.

St. 37 can tonify the Spleen Qi and the blood.

St. 37 can open the chest in asthma- (due to the LI.-Lung link, also the upper-lower link on the Channel).

Both St.37 and St.39 can treat Leg problems. St. 37 is more commonly used than St. 39.

“The Chong Mai -Penetrating Vessel is the sea of the twelve channels. In the upper it is conveyed to UB. 11, and in the lower it emerges at St. 37 and

St.39. When the Sea of Blood is excess there is a sensation as if the  body is big, there is a feeling of unease, but one does not know what disease there is. When the Sea of Blood is deficient there is a sensation of the body being small, one feels reduced but one does not know what disease there is” (Nei Jing Ling Shu)

Great fullness of the Upper Parts  (de La fuye)
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St.38
«««
Tiao Kou            Lines Opening                        Line’s Opening                        Branch Opening

Narrow Opening refers to the location in the depression of the narrow tibialis anterior muscle.  (I&F)  Ribbon Opening refers to the location between ST-37 + ST-39, a ribbon that unites the lower He-sea’s of the LI and SI.  This point also treats wind and a loose translation of tiao means a wind from the northeast.  (GTW)

TREATS FROZEN SHOULDER

St. 38 has a few local indications such as Knee pain and stomach ache.

St. 38  is primarily used as an empirical point for the shoulder joint. It is used for frozen shoulder.

Inability to stand for long, heat in the soles of the feet. (M of A)

                        St. 38 can treat acute neck strain and cervical joint disease To treat this provide strong needle stimulation while the patient moves the neck (DL)

                        St. 38 can also treat lumbar disc herniation . To treat this provide strong needle stimulation while the patient moves the lower back (DL)

                        St. 38 can treat dampness like St. 40 and treat the Small Intestine like St. 39 (SF)

                        Opening this point will cause the Stomach pulse to increase when it is weak.

            (J. Wors.)

Typically St. 38 is needled and then while it is being stimulated the patient rotates their shoulder. (DL)

St. 38 is often needled 1 ½ cun through to the gastrocnemius muscle to release the shoulder (RS)

St. 38 is normally needled ipsilaterally (same side as the side of pain) with the patient sitting. When the Qi has been obtained, the patient moves the shoulder around the area of pain. (M of A)
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St.39              Lower He Sea point of the Small Intestine.
«««Point of the Sea of Blood
Xia Ju Xu            Lower Great Void                        Lower Void

Lower Great Void reflects the location of this point in the lower hollow of the shin.  (GTW).  It’s function is similar to ST-37 except it drains Yang Qi excess down into the lower limbs.  (I&F)

TREATS DISORDERS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE SUCH AS BORBORYGMUS ETC.

St. 39 has a special range of action on the Small Intestine– it treats Qi pain in the Small Intestine- peri-umbilical and lower abdominal pain radiating to the lower back and testicles.

St. 39 treats Small Intestinal Cold with chronic diarrhea, borborygmus and flatulence.

St. 39Treats Small Intestinal Damp Heat- dysentery, dark urine etc.

St. 39 Can clear heat from the Stomach Channel treating breast abscess.

St. 39 can tonify blood to treat dry lips, absence of sweat, hair loss etc.

U.B. 11, St. 37 & St. 39 are Sea of Blood points – hence St 36-39 can be used for atrophy of the lower limbs.

The classics say that tonifying this point sends warmth to the bladder and Kidneys (RS) (in ten stems five element analysis Yang Fire- Small Intestine, can strengthen Yin Water- Kidney).

St. 39 treats diseases of the breast (F.Mann)

St. 39 treats intercostal pain (DL)

Great Empointiness in the Lower parts (de La Fuye)
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St. 40                         Luo connecting point.
«««««
Feng Long                 Abundant Bulge       Abundance and Prosperity            Abundant Reservoir

Abundant Flourishing suggests that the channel Qi is profuse since it is the luo point.   Feng Long also means thunder which suggests the quality of Qi here.  (I&F)  Bountiful Bulge refers to the location at the bulge of the tibialis and the abundance of earth Qi.  -(GTW)

TREATS ALMOST ANY MANIFESTATION OF PHLEGM

St. 40 is the Luo point so it connects to the Spleen- hence it has a special action for clearing phlegm anywhere in the bodybut especially in the Lung, heart, throat and head

St. 40 transforms Phlegm blockage in the throat (the Luo vessel extends to the throat) and Phlegm in the lungs, with wheezing and bronchitis.

St. 40 disperses ‘Insubstantial’ phlegm in the heart with palpitations and a feeling of oppression in the chest.

St. 40 is indicated in the treatment of mental depression from Phlegm and Qi stagnation of the Lung, Heart or Liver

St. 40 is indicated in the treatment of erratic and wild speech and behavior from Phlegm- Fire affecting the heart etc. St. 40 is also indicated in the treatment of  anxiety, fears and phobias caused by misting of the Mind by Phlegm.  St. 40 is also indicated for tiredness, confusion and dullness of mind from Phlegm-Damp affecting the Spleen

St. 40 can assist in Clearing Phlegm-Damp obstructing the ascent of clear Yang to the head giving rise to dizziness and headache. St. 40 is also indicated when Wind-Phlegm gives rise to epilepsy and seizures

St. 40 aids in resolving phlegm and damp in the stomach with nausea, vomiting and indigestion.

St. 40 aids in resolving Phlegm damp from Spleen Qi deficiency causing obesity and phlegm lumps under the skin.

St. 40 aids in dispersing phlegm in the lower Jiao with edema, abdominal distension and pain.

St. 40 aids in resolving Phlegm in the Intestines as seen in some dysentery.

St. 40 has local indications for atrophy and bi pain of the legs.

The Patient sees ghosts, dreams of ghosts. Obsessions, nightmares. (Wors.)

Can strengthen general reserve of energy by strengthening the

Stomach Qi (Jap. Acu.)

St. 40 almost has the same effect as a Source point .It is a reservoir. Very rarely is it an empointy reservoir. It brings up the general energy.  (Wors.)

Can be combined with P.6 to open and relax the chest (G.M.)

Excess of the Luo channel causes mania and withdrawal. Deficiency of the Luo channel causes withering of the calves and loss of control of the legs (The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion)

Quiet Word point (de La Fuye)
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St. 41            Jing River Fire point.  tonification point.
«««
Jie Xi            Stream Divide            Release Stream            Untie the Stream

Ravine Divide refers to it’s location in a ravine that divides the lateral and medial aspects of the ankle and seperates the shinbone from the foot.  Shoe lace is an alternate name since both Qi and shoelaces can be bound here.  (GTW)

Release Stream suggests that this point unblocks stagnant Qi.  (I&F)

TREATS YIN DEFICIENT HEAT AND REMOVES BLOCKAGE

FROM THE CHANNEL

St. 41 Clears Heat, Damp, Wind and blockage from the Channel- thus it treats frontal headache, sore throat, swelling of face and facial edema, red eyes etc.

St. 41 Clears Heat, Damp and Wind from the organ-  to treat abdominal distention, burning epigastric pain, hunger and constipation.

St. 41 clears Yin deficient heat  (where St.44 clears more Excess heat).

St. 41 ‘Jie Xi’ can be translated ‘untie the Stream’- i.e. unblock the flow of Qi, hence St. 41 is used for epilepsy, spasms, manic agitation and hypertension.

As a Jing River point St. 41 has a range of action on the tendons and bones so it is an important ankle point and even knee point.

St. 41 is not used much for true tonification in TCM, (though it is used for this in Five Element traditions). St. 36 is used for this.

St. 41 treats mental disorders of the depressive type (extra point Nao Qing- ‘Clear the Brain’ is two fingers’ breadths above this point).

St. 41 treats Stomach Hot with incoherent speech (F. mann)

St. 41 treats fright palpitations and racing of the Heart (Fund)

In polarity therapy St. 41 is a diaphragm reflex.

St. 41 is a useful point in stop smoking point formulae (JZ)

St. 41 builds the Stomach Yin (Fund?

Energy and Happiness point (de la Fuye)

St. 41 breaks a lot of blocks on the Stomach Channel. It  gets the Qi to flow to the ends of the Channel the Qi and mind. Its Fire brings warmth to the Earth (wors.)

St. 41 can be needled perpendicularly or obliquely beneath the tendon to join with Sp. 5 or GB. 40.

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St 42                          Yuan Source Point                        Exit point
««
Chong Yang             Rushing Yang            Pouring Yang            Yang Rushing

Rushing Yang refers to the active intense vital nature of the Qi flow at this yuan source point.  (I&F)  Yang is a reference to the location of this point on the top of the foot and Chong is reference to the pulse which is palpated here.  Chong defined as Hub is also used to indicate important points like this yuan source point.  (GTW)

St. 42 is not used much as a Source point, because St. 36 is normally used in TCM and Five Element systems to tonify the Qi of the Stomach. Many of its indications are similar to St. 41 but it is not very often used.

St. 42 is indicated for Channel symptoms such as deviation of the mouth and face, facial pain, headache, toothache and stomach and abdominal pain.

St. 42 is able to calm Yang Madness with such indications as fright, desire to undress and run around, to walk aimlessly, to climb to high places and sing etc.

lack of appetite, anorexia (J.R.)           

Perfect Calm point (de La Fuye)

The Pulse here gauges the Spleen and Stomach Qi and measures the quality and quantity of Qi in the lower body, the general state of Yin and the descent of Qi. (ATRSG)

St. 42 is the Exit point. Open it to make sure the Qi goes out (Wors.)

Attention must be paid not to puncture the dorsalis pedis artery that defines the correct location of this point.

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St. 43                         Shu Stream Wood point
«««
Xian Gu            Sunken Valley                        Sinking Valley                        Depth of the Valley

Deep Valley refers to the location of this point in a valley between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. (I&F)   Sunken Valley hints at the function of this point to reduce swelling since a valley can contain and therefore regulate water.  (GTW)

TREATS WOOD ATTACKING EARTH SYNDROME,

ALSO TREATS EDEMA – DRAINS DAMP           

Wood attacking earth syndrome- abdominal pain, intestinal noises, belching, weak digestion- Spleen Qi deficiencyAlso for edema and swelling of the face, eyes and abdomen – supports the Spleen to drain damp. Shu stream point so used often for heaviness and pain in the joints- in this case Wind heat Bi pain in the foot and difficulty moving the toes.

Chronic coughing that doesn’t stop, choking, ocular congestion. Controls highest fevers – massage on children. Special point. For trigeminal neuralgia. (Wors.)
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St 44            Ying  Spring Water point
««««
Nei Ting                    Inner Courtyard refers to the location of this point in the interdigital area.  The pictograph Nei includes a person within an enclosure which reflects the function of this point to treat “loathing to hear human voices”.  (I&F)/(GTW)

                       CLEARS EXCESS HEAT FROM THE TEETH, GUMS, NOSE,

EYES AND THROAT.

so clears Heat in the body, esp. Excess Heat at the other end of the Channel- the teeth, gums, nose, eyes, throat. Can clear heat causing bleeding- from the nose , Stomach, Intestines or Urinary Tract. Major gastritis point. Water point- clears damp and heat from the Intestines-diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, Excess and hot abdominal pain, hernial pain. Can clear heat causing skin problems e.g. rashes, acne and boils on the course of the Channel. Water can cool heart fire so for mental agitation– mental restlessness, agitation, dislike of speaking, hearing speech.

Best point on channel for abdominal disorders, esp. when accompanied by pain and fear. Fear out of proportion to the pain. People who “cannot stand the human voice“, do not wish to communicate. (Wors.)
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St.45            Jing Well Metal point. Sedation point.
««
Li Dui            ‘Severe Mouth’ Evil’s Dissipation’

Evil’s Dissipation’ suggests the ability of this point to calm the spirit by dispelling external forces. -(I&F)

‘Severe Mouth’ refers to the function of this point to treat disorders of the mouth as well as it’s connection to the SP which flowers at the mouth.  (GTW)

Clears Heat from the Stomach Channel  as it is a Jing Well point primarily from the distal portion of the Channel -the mouth, teeth, sinuses and throat. Also excessive hunger from Stomach Heat, Hangovers, Indigestion with fullness and swelling. Also Clears Heat and calms the Spirit. The name can mean ‘Severe mouth’ and it is a metal point hence also clears unpleasant words- yang madness- heart and stomach fire or phlegm-heat. Also for disorientation, nightmares, insomnia. also treats excessive desire to sleep, withdrawal and mental dullness.

Best point for insomnia. First aid for indigestion and hangover. Person with no tolerance, understanding or compassion – feels cold mentally.  (Wors.)